EDGE Programs
EDGE offers tailored programs designed to develop the skills, networks and expertise you need to launch a new venture and help it grow. Learn more about each of our programs below.
Social Impact Catalyst
You’re an aspiring youth impact entrepreneur looking to learn alongside a group of other inspiring changemakers. You want to learn more about social impact, entrepreneurship and how to lead a social venture. You have a promising idea or a new venture that aims to create change aligned with this year’s theme: climate change and environmental sustainability.
This program has been made possible with the generous support of RBC Future Launch, a proud partner of Sheridan and EDGE.
Check out Social Impact Catalyst if:
- You're between the age of 15-29 in the Peel and Halton region
- You have an idea, project or venture that seeks to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability.
- You can commit to attending pre-scheduled events, completing deliverables and investing about 5 hours/week in program work.
Benefits
$2,000 Honorarium
Virtual community and networking opportunities
Group and one-on-one mentoring
Support to promote your venture
And more!
Co-op on the Edge
You’re ready to build a social venture or freelance gig during your co-op term. You have a solid venture idea or freelance skills and may be working with a team. You’re interested in a unique, hands-on experience that will build your entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills.
Check out Co-op on the EDGE if:
- You’re a current Sheridan student who is co-op eligible
- You have an idea that you’re interested in turning it into a venture or skills you would like to offer on a freelance basis
- You’d like to expand your entrepreneurial mindset
- You want to immerse yourself in the startup world
Benefits
Tailored bootcamp sessions
Access to EDGE and external partner workshops
Group and one-on-one mentoring
Access to the EDGE workspace
And more!
Explore
You’re curious about making an impact using entrepreneurial approaches. You’re looking for flexible ways to expand your skills and then put them to use right away on projects you care about. You’re keen to explore how you might create a new venture or practice your innovation skills with an existing venture.
Check out Explore if:
- You're a current Sheridan student
- You’re able to commit 20 hours over the next six months to Explore learning activities
- You want to build on what you’re learning at Sheridan and learn about new career pathways while you study.
Benefits
Self-paced modules and hands-on remote learning opportunities
Access to post your skills on the EDGEncy job board
Certificate of completion and recognition on your co-curricular record
Opportunity to build your resume and professional portfolio
Network with EDGE’s vibrant impact entrepreneur community
And more!
Leap Startup League
This unique program is offered as a partnership between EDGE and the University of Toronto Mississauga’s ICUBE incubator.
You’re an aspiring social enterprise founder or impact start-up team looking to take the leap on an idea. You’re ready to design the business model to support your social venture, create prototypes and explore sustainable ways this idea might someday pay the bills.
Check out Leap Startup League if:
- You have a basic understanding of social entrepreneurship and changemaking
- You’ve taken steps to develop a specific entrepreneurial idea
- You’re ready to commit a few hours a week to work on your idea alongside a group of other changemakers
Benefits
One-on-one mentorship with industry experts
Access to the resources of two vibrant incubators
Impact-oriented business, branding, and communications training
Financial and legal information sessions
EDGE and ICUBE UTM Belt of Recognition and membership perks
And more!
Rise
Your social venture is in motion: your product or service is outlined, your impact is clear, you understand your customers’ challenges at a deep level and your sights are set on revenue. It’s time to Rise! This 12-month program focuses on high-value, high-intensity support for social venture founders, customized to your venture’s stage of growth. We’ll help you focus so you can create an impactful, profitable and sustainable venture. You’ll have the chance to learn in small groups of diverse and like-minded founders while growing your impact and advancing your ambitious goals.
Check out Rise if:
- You’re the founder of a registered social enterprise (non-profit, for-profit, or co-op) and you’re ready to achieve a big vision
- Your product or service is ready to sell or already generating sales revenue (If you’re at the idea stage, check out our Leap Startup League)
- You have defined objectives grounded in the social or environmental impact you want to create
Benefits
Individualized coaching focused on people, planet and profit valued at $6,000
Support from seasoned mentors who collaborate to ensure your venture’s success.
Practical problem-solving support and introductions to key networks
Help to drive customer leads for your venture using proven digital marketing strategies
Access to a dynamic cohort of fellow impact entrepreneurs at similar stages of growth
And more!